Catamaran trips in Mallorca: daytime, sunset or glass-bottom

If you are travelling with children or with people prone to seasickness, a catamaran is a good choice: it is stable, roomy and usually has shade and toilets. For families with young children, the glass-bottom boats last 1.5 to 3 hours and ask nothing of you. For a full day at sea, choose the half-day cruise with lunch in Palma Bay.

For couples and groups of friends, the sunset catamaran is the most popular option: a swim in a cove, a glass of cava and the sunset from the water. Check the minimum age, as some are adults only. And if what you want is a party, there are boats with DJs in Palma and Magaluf, which are not the same as a relaxed cruise.

Magic Catamarans leaves Palma harbour, near the Auditorium, for a day of about five hours from May to October: a cruise around the bay, a swim stop and a buffet on board. Our listing gives it top marks for families. The price in euros does not appear in our data, so check the current one on the listing.

For sunset, Oasis Catamarán heads to the south of the bay, anchors in a cove (the listings mention the Cueva Verde) for swimming and snorkelling, and serves canapés and a glass of cava. Departure time follows the sunset, the trip lasts about three and a half hours and, according to our listing, it is adults only (18+), from 78 euros.

On a tighter budget, Life & Sea departs from El Arenal at the eastern end of the bay with a three-hour sunset catamaran and a barbecue on board; one listing shows 38 euros. Confirm exactly what is included and the boarding point, which for these trips is usually the yacht club.

On the east coast, Mallorca Sea Paradise leaves Porto Cristo (also Sa Coma) and in 1.5 hours passes the Cova dels Pirates, Cala Romántica, the Cova dels Coloms and Cales Varques; the 2-hour version adds a swim and snorkel stop. Our listing shows 28 euros per adult for the short route. From Cala Millor beach pier, Moonfish runs two-to-three-hour trips; one listing shows 29 euros.

In the north, Alcudia Seatrips Las Gaviotas leaves Port d'Alcúdia along the coast towards Alcanada lighthouse, with swim stops at coves such as Coll Baix according to one listing. Some reviews warn that the windows are small and visibility depends on the sea. With glass-bottom boats in general, keep expectations realistic: the coastline and the stops are often better than the view through the hull.

If you are staying in Santa Ponça or Peguera, Cruise Cormoran leaves Santa Ponça (or Tora pier in Peguera) along the Calvià coast: coves, cliffs and caves, with two swim stops and snorkel gear included against a 10-euro deposit. There is a bar on board, but food is not included. According to our listing, the operator also runs a catamaran option around Santa Ponça bay that passes close to the Malgrats islets.

The same company runs a three-hour cruise out to Sa Dragonera, with caves and a stop of about 30 minutes for a swim. It is a practical way to see Dragonera without travelling to Sant Elm.

A shared catamaran is more stable and straightforward, but it can be busy: our listing for the Palma sunset catamaran rates crowding as high. If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, there are sailing boats with shared places. DayCharter sails from Can Pastilla with a maximum of 12 passengers, snorkelling, snacks and two drinks each. Mercanautic leaves Pelaires pier with a maximum of 10, open bar, snorkelling and paddleboarding at sunset.

If you are a group, consider chartering the whole boat. The Fenicia is a 1977 Mallorcan llaüt that leaves Club de Mar exclusively for your group; our listing describes it as a slower, more characterful way to sail than the big catamarans. Velas de Palma charters a sailing boat with skipper from the Real Club Náutico for sunset, half-day or full-day trips. Private charters are priced per boat.

If you want music and a lively atmosphere, Barca Samba leaves Golondrinas pier in Palma with a DJ: the daytime version lasts about four hours with a buffet and one drink, and the night version about two and a half hours with snacks. It is 18+ only and boarding closes five minutes before departure.

In Magaluf, Oceana runs party-style trips of 4 to 8 hours depending on the version. Our listing does not show what is included or the minimum age, so check with the seller. Neither is a family outing.

The Palma and El Arenal catamarans we list run from May to October. June and September are the best months; in July and August book ahead, especially for sunset trips. In strong wind, the skipper may change the swim cove or cancel, so check the cancellation policy on the listing.

Before paying, check four things: whether food is included or extra, how many drinks are included, whether snorkel gear is provided and the minimum age. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, sun cream, a cap and a layer for the return. Be at the boarding point 15 minutes early.